Mostafa Koozehgar Kaleji | Ekology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mostafa Koozehgar Kaleji |Ekology | Best Researcher Award

Dr, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran

Dr. Mostafa Koozegar Kaleji is an emerging voice in agroecology and sustainable agriculture. With a Ph.D. from Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, he combines academic research with practical expertise in field management and agricultural innovation. His work bridges plant physiology, soil-plant interactions, and ecosystem services, aiming to optimize food systems while preserving biodiversity. Beyond his publications in high-impact journals, Dr. Kaleji has co-authored several books addressing cultivation techniques and pest management. His role as an Agricultural Specialist in Mazandaran has strengthened his applied research capabilities, ensuring that scientific findings translate into sustainable agricultural practices. Fluent in Persian and English, he actively contributes to global discussions on agroecology.

Profile

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🎓 Education 

Dr. Kaleji holds a Ph.D. in Agriculture specializing in Agroecology from Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (2018–2023). His doctoral research delved into sustainable farming systems and plant-soil dynamics. He previously earned his M.Sc. in Agroecology from the Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch (2012–2014), where he explored organic farming and ecosystem services. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Agronomy and Plant Breeding from Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr Branch (2007–2011), focusing on crop genetic improvement and field management. This strong educational foundation has enabled Dr. Kaleji to develop a multi-disciplinary approach to agroecological research, blending theory with practice to address modern agricultural challenges.

🏢 Professional Experience 

Dr. Mostafa Koozegar Kaleji brings over two decades of professional expertise to his research. Since 2013, he has served as an Agricultural Specialist and Production Manager for the Jahad-e-Agriculture Organization, Mazandaran Province, overseeing modernization initiatives in crop production. Previously, he conducted research on cotton cultivars at the Cotton Research Institute (2002–2003), enhancing the region’s fiber crop resilience. From 2001 to 2012, he worked as an Agricultural Expert for the Babolsar Defense Organization, managing large-scale cultivation and harvest programs. His dual engagement in applied and academic settings enables him to bridge gaps between research innovations and field-level applications, fostering sustainable agricultural advancements.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Kaleji’s research lies at the intersection of agroecology, sustainable agriculture, plant physiology, soil-plant interactions, and ecosystem services. He investigates how plant-microbial symbioses and ecological management practices improve crop performance, resource-use efficiency, and environmental sustainability. His current work emphasizes biofertilizers like mycorrhizal fungi and Azotobacter to reduce chemical inputs and enhance plant health under varying planting densities. His interest in modeling and simulation tools like DSSAT and spatial analysis via GIS technologies allows him to forecast ecological outcomes in agroecosystems. Dr. Kaleji’s interdisciplinary research aims to contribute directly to regenerative farming and food security strategies.

đź“š Publications with Full Details and Summaries

1. Interplay Between ROS and Hormones in Plant Defense Against Pathogens

  • Journal: Plants

  • Publication Date: 2025-04-25

  • DOI: 10.3390/plants14091297

  • Authors: Mostafa Haghpanah, Amin Namdari, Mostafa Koozehgar Kaleji, Azam Nikbakht-dehkordi, Ahmad Arzani, Fabrizio Araniti
    Summary:
    This study examines the intricate network between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and plant hormonal pathways in combating pathogens. Highlighting novel crosstalk mechanisms, the work suggests integrated strategies for breeding disease-resistant plants.

2. Inoculation with Mycorrhiza and Azotobacter chroococcum Affects the Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Eryngium caeruleum at Different Planting Densities

  • Journal: AgronomĂ­a Colombiana

  • Publication Date: 2023-08-14

  • DOI: 10.15446/agron.colomb.v41n2.106390

  • Authors: Mostafa Koozehgar Kaleji, Mohammad Reza Ardakani, Sheida Khoshniat
    Summary:
    This paper demonstrates that bio-inoculants improve both biomass and secondary metabolite content in Eryngium caeruleum, promoting the use of eco-friendly agricultural inputs.

3. Quantitative and Qualitative Performance of Froriepia subpinnata as Affected by Mycorrhizal Symbiosis, Compost Tea, and Vermicompost

  • Journal: Unspecified (likely submitted/published in 2024)

  • Author: Mostafa Koozehgar Kaleji
    Summary:
    The study highlights how integrating organic soil amendments and beneficial symbionts boosts the agronomic traits of Froriepia subpinnata, emphasizing low-input sustainable farming models.

Conclusion

Mostafa Koozegar Kaleji shows strong expertise, commitment to agricultural sustainability, real-world impact, and ongoing academic productivity. His profile is very suitable for national-level Best Researcher Awards, especially those emphasizing applied sciences and agriculture.

Koziba Gaothobogwe | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

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Ms. Koziba Gaothobogwe | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

MSc Student. Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Botswana

Koziba Gaothobogwe is a dedicated MSc student in Environmental Science (Soil Science) at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST). With a passion for addressing environmental contamination, particularly in agricultural land, her research focuses on mitigating potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in food crops. She has gained international exposure through the Sakura Exchange Program in Japan, where she presented her research on emerging pollutants and developed hands-on skills in advanced environmental analysis. Koziba’s academic journey is supported by her teaching assistantship at BIUST, where she mentors undergraduate students in soil science, environmental hazards, and waste management. Committed to sustainability, she aims to apply her knowledge to tackle soil and water contamination issues in Botswana and beyond.

Profile

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Education

Koziba Gaothobogwe earned her BSc in Environmental Science from Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) in 2021, where her project focused on analyzing the physico-chemical characteristics of surface and groundwater near the Morupule Power Station. Currently, she is pursuing an MSc in Soil Science at BIUST, with a thesis dedicated to mitigating the impact of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in food crops grown near the BCL Cu-Ni mine using soil amendments. Throughout her studies, Koziba has developed a strong foundation in environmental science, particularly in soil chemistry, water quality analysis, and environmental remediation strategies. Additionally, she has completed various professional training courses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), image classification, and spatial data science through the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), enhancing her research capabilities in environmental monitoring and analysis.

Experience

Koziba Gaothobogwe has diverse research and teaching experience in the field of environmental science. As a teaching assistant at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), she has been instrumental in supervising undergraduate laboratory sessions on environmental pollution, soil science, microbiology, and waste management. Her responsibilities include tutoring, grading, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies. As a research assistant, she assisted in designing experiments, performing soil and water sample analyses, and utilizing statistical tools to interpret environmental data. Her international exposure as a visiting scholar in the Sakura Exchange Program at Kyoto University, Japan, broadened her skills in environmental analysis techniques such as FTIR, ICP-MS, and SEM. Koziba has also contributed significantly to academic research through her project focused on mitigating contamination in agriculture, with her findings expected to influence sustainable farming practices in contaminated areas.

Research Focus

Koziba Gaothobogwe’s research focuses on the mitigation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in agricultural systems, particularly the impact of soil amendments on food crops grown in contaminated soils. Her MSc thesis explores how soil amendments can reduce the bioavailability of toxic elements like heavy metals in crops near mining areas, with a focus on BCL Cu-Ni mine in Botswana. Through her research, Koziba aims to develop practical, sustainable solutions to improve soil health and reduce the environmental risks posed by mining activities. Her interest extends to the broader field of environmental science, including water quality analysis, environmental impact assessments, and remediation strategies. Additionally, her work in environmental chemistry seeks to advance analytical methods for detecting and quantifying pollutants in soil, water, and plant matrices, making her research valuable for both environmental policy and agricultural sustainability.

Publications

  • Mitigation of Potentially Toxic Elements in Corn (Zea Mays) Grown in Farmlands Near Cu-Ni Mine in Central Botswana – Soil and Sediment Contamination (2025)